2003 Dodge RAM 2500: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Aug 23, 2011 · Tires · 160,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 2500 with cooper tempra trail cutters lt265/70/r17 (dot utahrda0409) tires. While driving approximately 50 MPH the steering wheel began to vibrate and the contact heard a noise coming near the rear drivers side tire. The contact stopped the vehicle and noticed the tread separated from the rear drivers side tire. The tire was replaced with the spare. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and asked the contact to mail the tire so they could inspect it. The tire was not replaced. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Jul 17, 2009 · Body · 64,000 miles · TN

2003 dodge ram. The plastic mode door is broken and the vehicle will only blow out the vents. This is not a real big deal until its raining outside and you can't defrost the windows at hwy speeds.

Filed Sep 16, 2005 · Tires · MI

Dt: consumer purchased a 2003 rinker boat trailer in july 2003. In august 2003 the left front tire blew out without warning on the interstate. The following july 2004 another tire blew out. The consumer did not remember location of the tire on the trailer at that time. The next tire blew out in april 2005 and again the consumer did not remember which tire it was. On july 17, 2005 the right front tire blew out. This was the forth blowout. Each time a blowout occurred there was damage to the trailer. The last tire blew out on september 4, 2005. The last blowout was on the left back tire. The consumer replaced these tires at his own expense each time. There has never been an accident as a result of these bloods.

Filed Jul 25, 2005 · Tires · FL

Dt: the consumer experienced a blow out on the front left side of the vehicle. There was damage to the camper. The consumer found out the tire was 3 years old and they recommend replacing rv tires every three years.

Filed Jan 8, 2005 · Steering · 54,000 miles · UT

(1) driving on freeway at 75 MPH speed limit. Hit ruts in road left from semis. Tires started bouncing. Truck went out of control. I thought I had multiple blowouts. Struggled to pull over without hitting anyone else. Got truck stopped and got out and looked at tires. No damage to tires. Researched symtoms on-line when home again, discovered what is being called "death wobble". Took truck to alignment shop today and they informed me they cannot align because all of my ball joints have way to much play and tie rod ends are worn out. Further research done today on dodge owners websites and have found that many others are having "death wobble" issues and bad ball joints, but dodge is not replacing them because they state play is acceptable. (2) this failure is one of the most scary things I have ever encountered while driving a vehicle. Twenty minutes earlier I was towing my travel trailer behind me and I think if this would have happened with the trailer on I would have not been able to control the truck. I am terrified of it happening again. (3) I have not had any parts replaced yet do to the weekend, but I will be calling a second shop on moday for a second opinion and pricing to have the parts replaced. My family means to much to me to wait for a recall from dodge on these ball joints. I do know that they just recalled durangos and dakotas for the same reason and in my opinion, they should recall full sized trucks as well. This condition could have very serious consequences up to and including death, with the vehicle going out of control at freeway speeds.